Egbetokun orders sanction against unit head involved in FIJ reporter’s arrest

Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered sanctions against the head of the unit involved in the arrest of Sodeeq Atanda, a senior reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).

The order comes amid criticism of tactics used by officers from the IGP monitoring unit, who allegedly detained Atanda’s wife, Adenike, and their nine-month-old baby to lure the journalist.

The incident happened on Monday in Ikorodu, Lagos, where police operatives reportedly held the woman and infant at the Owutu police station before coercing her to call her husband, claiming the baby was ill and needed urgent medical attention.

Atanda reportedly arrived at the location, only to be handcuffed and transferred to the force headquarters annexe in Obalende, Lagos.

Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the FIJ, confirmed the arrest on social media, linking it to one of Atanda’s investigative reports.

The journalist and his family were released late Monday night following interventions, including from the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the police public relations officer (PPPRO), said Egbetokun was “miffed” upon learning of the arrest and ordered Atanda’s immediate release.

He added that the officer in charge of the unit would face sanctions.

“The IGP was particularly angry that this came up at a time when the Police had pledged and are taking tangible steps to ensure press freedom,” the police spokesperson said in a post on his X handle.

“He equally ordered that the head of that unit be sanctioned for his conduct.”